Time-Dependent Password - Computer Definition

Tokens generating one-time dynamic passwords have
been and continue to be a popular choice for strong authentication because they
are secure, reliable, and easy to use. One-time dynamic passwords work with
most applications and are quite deployable because they do not need hardware
readers. For these reasons, tokens are used by many corporations today. Another
popular kind of token is the event-synchronous type.

RSA SecurID, ActivCard, CryptoCard, and Secure Computing’s
SafeWord are all tokens placing in the time-dependent password category. These
devices all generate one-time dynamic passwords that are short enough for one
person to easily enter into a system. Although the one-time password can be
automatically entered for a user, it usually consists of eight or fewer
characters, easily entered by hand. All tokens work by taking an input value,
encrypting it with an algorithm, and displaying the result as a one-time
dynamic password. The encryption process uses a secret key within each token as
part of the process to generate the password. The secret keys are assigned to
particular users—thus tying them to a specific token.